Kartik Poornima

Kartik Poornima - Experience the mystique of life!

A beautiful mystical religious festival, Kartik Poornima is celebrated on the full moon night in the auspicious Hindu month of 'Kartik', usually in November. It is believed that all worship done in this month contributes to the spiritual upliftment of the individual.

When Lord Ganesha (son of Lord Shiva-The Destroyer in the Hindu Trinity) was designated as Pratham Pujya (the first deity to be worshiped), his elder brother Kartikeya questioned the decision and it was then determined that an entire month in the year would be dedicated to Kartikeya to be called Kartik.

During Kartik Poornima at the onset of winter and on this night the moon is at its brightest. Kartik Poornima is the only day of the year when Lord Brahma, the Creator of the Universe, is worshiped.  

Kartik Poornima - A Mystical Festival

A beautiful mystical religious festival, Kartik Poornima is celebrated on the full moon night in the auspicious Hindu month of 'Kartik', usually in November. It is believed that all worship done in this month contributes to the spiritual upliftment of the individual. When Lord Ganesha (son of Lord Shiva- The Destroyer in the Hindu Trinity) was designated as Pratham Pujya (the first deity to be worshiped), his younger brother Kartikeya questioned the decision and it was then determined that an entire month in the year would be dedicated to Kartikeya to be called Kartik. During Kartik Poornima at the onset of winter and on this night the moon is at its brightest.

Kartik Poornima is the only day of the year when Lord Brahma, the Creator of the Universe, is worshiped. As the legend goes, Lord Brahma wished to perform a 'Yajna' or sacrifice on earth and therefore selected a hill on which he would perform. Here he followed his penance for 1000 years prior to performing the 'Yajna'. From the sky, he then dropped a lotus flower, which is said to have created the holy lake of Pushkar (which means 'lotus'). The Lord Brahma temple at Pushkar is considered the most sacred amongst the very few Lord Brahma temples in India.

Just before Lord Brahma was set to commence the sacrifice, his eldest wife, Savitri was nowhere to be seen, so he impatiently commenced the 'Yajna' with his younger wife, Gayatri. When Savitri learnt of this, she was outraged and cursed him, stating that, henceforth he would only be worshiped on one particular day of the year-Kartik Poornima.

It is also believed that on this day Lord Shiva with the help of Lord Brahma and Lord Vishnu destroyed the demon, Tripur. Tripur had the boon that neither God nor humans would be able to kill him. With no fear of death, he started harassing everyone and so all the Gods asked Lord Shiva to destroy Tripur.

Ms. Geeta Chandran and her Natya Vriksha Dance Company

A celebrated artist, star-performer and reputed dance guru, in her artistic presentations, Dancer / Choreographer Geeta Chandran skilfully weaves abstract notions of Joy, Beauty, Values, Aspirations, Myth and Spirituality.
Geeta Chandran began learning Bharatanatyam from the tender age of 5 years under the tutelage of Smt. Swarna Saraswathy, who hailed from the traditional Thanjavoor dasi parampara. Subsequently, Geeta continued learning diverse aspects of the classical dance from a galaxy of eminent dance Gurus including Guru K.N. Dakshinamurthi, Smt. Jamuna Krishnan and Guru Karaikudi Sivakumar. Guru Acharya Shrivatsa Goswami has guided her in her journeys through philosophy, religion and spirituality.
Geeta is Founder-President of Natya-Vriksha and leads her Natya Vriksha Dance Company as its Artistic Director.
Firmly believing in the multiplier effect of her art, she aspires to "en-dance the universe!"  Towards this objective, she engages in a strategic range of dance-related activities: performing, teaching, conducting, singing, collaborating, organizing, writing and speaking to new youth audiences.
Niche interests include environmental protection, gender equity issues, hygiene and cleanliness, arts education and being a spokesperson for larger cultural issues that affect artists. Geeta Chandran is member on several school and college Boards and on Government of India committees.
Geeta was awarded the prestigious national award 'Padmashri' by the President of India in 2007. She has also just been conferred the equally prestigious national Sangeeta Natak Akademi Award for Bharatanatyam for 2016, which she received from the Hon. President of India on 17 January 2018. Geeta has also been made (the most prestigious) Tagore National Fellow (2017-2018)  bestowed by the Government of India's Ministry of Culture.
In July 2017, Geeta received the Nirbhaya Puruskar for mainstreaming gender equality issues in her dance. And in January 2018 she was conferred the International Women Achievers' Award in Bahrain by the Global Organisation of People of Indian Origin (GOPIO). Geeta is also Brand Ambassador for IGL (Indraprastha Gas Ltd.) a leading public sector energy company.
 

Ms. Vidha Lal - Mr. Abhimanyu Lal and Group Choreographer - Guru Smt. Geetanjali Lal, Kathak Exponent

Abhimanyu Lal and Vidha Lal are disciples and son and daughter-in-law of Sangeet Natak Academy Awardee Guru Smt. Geetanjali Lal of Jaipur Gharana. Both learnt this art form, under the tutelage of their Guru Smt. Geetanjali Lal at the National Institute of Kathak, New Delhi. and later continued their training under guru – shishya parampara. Vidha Lal and Abhimanyu Lal are 'A' grade artists from Delhi Doordarshan and empanelled artists of I.C.C.R., Delhi.
They are performing extensively in major dance festivals in India and abroad to name a few are Music Academy Chennai 2018; Kathak Dance Ballet for the Korean President Moon Jae organised by ICCR-2018; Incredible India organised by SCZCC at Nagpur 2018; Kathak duet at Vasantotsava -80th birthday celebration of legendry Pandit Birju Maharaj organised by Kalaashram in 2018; Ganga to Kaveri dance ballet organised by Utsav Music, New Delhi in 2018; Kathak duet Rasrang Festival organised by Rastriya Kathak Sansthan, Lucknow 2018; Vasantotsava organized by Kalaashram 2018 - New Delhi; World Book Fair 2018 - New Delhi; Pravasi Bharatiya Divas 2017 and 2018; Khajuraho Dance Festival – 2017; Pandit Ravishankar Dance Festival 2016; BRICS summit; ASEAN summit organized by ICCR; Dance India Asia Pacific at Esplanade theater on the bay 2018, Singapore organised by Apsaras Arts; Mosaic Festival, Canada 2018, organised by Ashakiran Dance School - Netherlands; India Festival in Ukarine 2017 organised by the Ministry of Culture, Govt. of India; Sydney Dance Festival 2017, Australia organized by Madhuram Academy for performing arts; Tallinn Philharmonic Music and Dance Festival - Estonia 2017; Naad Dance Festival - Los Angeles 2016; Gharana Mahotsava Los Angeles 2016; Riturang festival Dubai 2015; Europalia Dance festival 2013, 4 country tour (Bulgaria, Moscow, Brussels, Cuba) organized by ICCR - New Delhi 2013; Olympics 2012, London.
Both have been awarded Sri Krishna Gana Sabha endowment award and Nritya Jayantika award from Guru Mayadhar Raut Odissi Dance school. Both of them have recently received Utthan Natraj Samman by Utthan Samiti 2018. Recently, Vidha Lal has been conferred with the very prestigious Bismillah Khan Yuva Puraskar for the year 2017 by Sangeet Natak Akademi, New Delhi, FICCI Young Women Achievers Award 2017, National Devdasi Award, Kalpana Chawala Excellence Award, Jaidev Yuva Pratibha Puraskar, and registered her name in the Guinness Book of World Records for taking 103 spins in a minute in the year 2011. Both have been conducting workshops, demonstrations and Lec dem organized by Spic Macay and IRCEN in the Government Schools of India. Presently Abhimanyu Lal is teaching at the National Institute of Kathak Dance (Kathak Kendra), New Delhi and Vidha Lal is the founder Director of AV Dance Company Kathak Resonance and teaches at the Devi Durga Kathak Sansthan, an Institute of Guru Geetanjali Lal in New Delhi.

Ragini Chandershekar

A rare combination of beauty, grace, talent and creativity, Ragini Chandershekar is ranked amongst the finest Bharatanatyam dancers of the younger generation. Trained in Bharatanatyam by her mother Guru Jamuna Krishnan and by Late Guru K.J. Govindarajan, Ragini’s advanced training in the art form has been under the tutelage of Late Kalaimamani Guru K.N. Dakshinamoorthy Pillai, Padmabhushan Smt. Kalanidhi Narayanan and Late Smt. Usha Srinivasan of Chennai. An accomplished classical singer, her love for music was nurtured under the guidance of Late Guru S. Gopalakrishnan, whose disciple she was for 15 years. She is also trained in Nattuvangam and has conducted several performances of other dancers.
Equipped with her superlative training in dance, her art reflects her own unique sensibilities. Her dance glows with the rare magic of purity and adherence to the traditional form. While her ‘nritta’ (pure dance) sparkles with the kinetics of movement and space, her ‘abhinaya’ (art of expression) flows into the subtle spaces within. Her deep understanding of music and its nuances lends  her dance a rare performance quality, where the twin forms of dance and music seamlessly coalesce.

Guru Shubahada Vardkar

Guru Shubhada Varadkar is a fine exponent of the Odissi form of Indian Classical Dance. A disciple of the late Padmavibhushan Guru Shri Kelucharan Mohapatra. She is recipient of Senior Fellowship by Ministry of Culture; Government of India. She is an ‘A’ grade artist of Television (Doordarshan) and empanelled artist of the Indian Council for Cultural Relations, New Delhi. Shubhada has been awarded prestigious awards such as ‘Singar Mani’ ‘Priyadarshini’ ‘Maharashtra Gourav’. Recently she has received ‘Mahari’ Award in 2011 and ‘Natyaveda’ Award in 2014. She has performed at various festivals including the Elephanta Festival, Kalidas Festival, Ellora Festival, Pune Festival, Art in Action Festival - UK, Natyanjali Festival - Chidambaram, Puri Festival, Mumbai Festival, Taj Mahotsav - Agra, ICCR’s Malhar Mahotsav - New Delhi, ‘Virasat Festival’ to name a few. She is a founder director and chairperson of Sanskrita Foundation, a registered cultural trust operating from Mumbai. Shubhada was also trained in Bharatnatyam under the tutelage of late Guru Shri Mani. Yet she has dedicated herself to Odissi and has been performing and teaching Odissi dance extensively. A Prima Dona in Odissi Shubhada’s deep 5 commitment to Odissi enables her to portray intensely emotional and lyrical artistry of this magnificent dance form. She brings out its true spirit as dance of love and passion in all its purity. Her dance is a fascinating union of eloquent expressions, graceful movements and captivating postures right out of Odissi’s legendary heritage. Performance through spontaneous Nritya and Abhinaya comes to her as natural as breathing, giving an experience that critics hail as joie de vivre. For her, dance is not merely a creative art form, but also a means of enriching and developing life. Her major productions include ‘Kanupriya’ based on Dr. Dharmvir Bharti’s poetry by the same name. ‘Amrutghanu’ based on
Sant Dnyaneshwar’s literature, ‘Journey to Divinity’ based on the life and philosophy of Swami Vivekananda, ‘Prakriti Nartan’ based on Pandit Vijay Raghav Rao’s music, and ‘Miracles of Splendours’ on Kalidasa’s Ritusamharam and Ravindranath Tagore’s ‘Chitrangada’. Her dance productions are well received for their rich tapestry of music, choreography, and literature. Within the boundaries of the traditional format, she has enthralled the audience with her artistic excellence and creative spirit. Ragasswaa, UK had released the DVD of her dance. She is also a prolific writer. Here-book ‘The Glimpses of Indian Classical Dance’ is available for worldwide audience. She has also penned her autobiographical account in Marathi book titled ‘Mayurpankh’. Both these books are published by Krimiga Books. In fact, ‘Mayurpankh’ is the first Marathi book to be published simultaneously in print, audio book, and e-book format. A postgraduate, She was a lecturer of Economics in R.R. Ruia College, Mumbai. She was also a newscaster with Indian television. But the calls of tinkling anklets made her give up all other careers and devote all her time and energy to Odissi. Accompanying artists: Ms. Mitali Vardkar, Ms. Shreya Sabharwal, Ms. Atrrayee Chowdhury, Ms. Anaya A Shringarpure, Ms. Sushmna Billore and Ms. Dhruvi Haiin. Co-ordinator: Ms. Neeru Sabharwal, Mumbai.

Raghunath Manet

Raghunath Manet, from Pondicherry who lives in France, is a Veena player, classical Indian Carnatic Music composer, dancer of Bharatanatyam and choreographer. Raghunath studied vocal music under his grand father Gnanamani Pillai, and Veena with Rajeswari Padmanaban the leading exponent of the Karaikudi style, and then with Ranganayaki Rajagopalan. He is also graduated from the esteemed Kalakshetra in 1989 and he founded the dance and music school TALA SRUTI in Pondicherry for poor children. Since 1990, Raghunath Manet showed his graceful silhouette all over the world, appearing in festivals. He is the first Indian to have been invited to perform at the Opera de Paris in France. His touring has taken him to all over France, Italy, U.K., Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Hong Kong, Australia, Sri Lanka, Africa, Singapore, India, Mauritius, USA, Caledonia Islands and the Reunion Islands. Raghunath has been awarded scholarships, fellowships and several titles for his outstanding services to the performing Art: CHEVALlER from the French Ministry of Culture, OFFICER IN Order of Arts and Letters, Natiya Siromani, Natya Nayagan, Natya Barani, Gold Medal and 1st Class Diploma and GOPIO Community Award. He is doctorated in Cultural-Anthropolgy and published 5 books on temple dancers of Villenour (Pondicherry). Moreover, he confronts a traditional art to modernity on stage by unexpected encounters with great creators of our time such as Michel Portal, Archie Shepp, Didier Lockwood, Richard Galliano, Carolyn Carlson. He was crowned best dancer from Tamilnadu. Although noted for the purity of his style, Raghunath has also been involved in creative and innovative performances in particular dancing and providing choreography for the landmark dance drama Angika by Chandralekha, the internationally acclaimed dance-choreographer. Raghunath's 'purity of style' and his scrupulously correct adavus laced with a perfect rhythmic sense have rendered him an admired performer all over the world. He gave his first veena recital at the age of 17, and played with all the Great mrundangam maestros like Umayalpuram Sivaraman, Madras Kananan, Guruvayur Durai. T.K. Murthy, Palghat Raghu, T.V. Gopalakrishnan, Tiruvarur Bakthvatchalam, Hari Shankar, Subbash Chandra, Munish, Madurai T. Srinivasan, E.M. Subbramaniam and Drums Sivamani. Sony Music brought his latest album 'Babaji Dreams' along with Drums Sivamani. With his Indian jazz quartet, he has composed a new score from Indian music virtuoso to timeless contemporary as well as carnatic classical to world music, inspired by Afro-Caribbean groove. As a multiple artist, he opens the horizons and liberates music. He is specialised in 'Shiva-Tandavas' and plays Saraswathi Veena both in the traditional and modern form. He has released more than 26 CDs and 5 DVDs both dance and music including with Dr. Balamurali Krishna and Drums Sivamani. He received 'The best performer Award' at the Chennai Music and Dance Festival which took place on 31st December 2014.

Uma Sharma

(Jagmandir Island Palace, Udaipur - 2014)

Uma Sharma is renowned classical dancer who has been awarded Padma Bhushan for her unique contribution to the cultural tradition of this country. She has revolutionised the repertoire of the classical form of her chosen field of dance "Kathak" by enriching it with literary and intellectual substance by drawing upon and interpreting the works of great poets of our country from ancient to modern time. In spearheading the transformation of this art form, Uma Sharma has been at the centre stage of events in the country. Her themes have etched out the color of concern about issues that matter.

Dakshina Vaidyanathan

(Jagmandir Island Palace, Udaipur - 2013)

Dakshina Vaidyanathan belongs to a family of eminent Bharatanatyam dancers. She has undergone rigorous training in her own home Ganesa Natyalaya under the able tutelage of her Grand Mother Guru Saroja Vaidyanathan and her mother Rama Vaidyanathan. She was awarded the CCRT scholarship by the Department of Culture Govt.Of India in 2003, The Kalpana Chawala Award, in the Young Achievers' category in 2005 and the Sahitya Kala Parishad Scholarship in 2012. She is a Diploma holder in Bharatanatyam from Indira kala Sangit Vidyalaya and a B.Tech degree holder in Electronics and Communication Engineering from Vellore Institute of Technology. Right from age 10 Dakshina has been accompanying her Grand Mother and her Mother for various performance tours in India and abroad. She has also traveled individually on her own merit for various youth Festivals.

Rama Vaidyanathan

(Jagmandir Island Palace, Udaipur - 2013)

A leading exponent of Bharatanatyam, a popular classical dance form of India. She is undoubtedly one of the most sought after artistes of her generation having carved a name for herself in the Bharatanatyam World. She has trained intensively under the legendary dancer Yamini Krishnamurthy and the renowned Guru Saroja Vaidyanathan. Everyone who has seen Rama perform is struck by her unique thought process and fresh approach to dance. While deeply routed in tradition She has evolved her own individual style without forsaking the core principles of Bharata Natyam. She brings to her dance a rare sense of devotion and dedication, which leaves the audience with a sense of spiritual fulfillment.

Manjari Chaturvedi

(Jagmandir Island Palace, Udaipur - 2012)

'Radha Raas' - sufi kathak and qawwali conceptualized, directed and performed by Sufi Kathak Danseuse Ms. Manjari Chaturvedi along with Qawwals from Awadh and classical musicians from Delhi was performed. An initiative of the Sufi Kathak Foundation, the concept of 'Radha Raas' defines how a secular cultural spirit emerges when Hindu and Muslim identities merge into one another and transcend into love beyond the confines of religion, which is very relevant in today's time and is an idea that we think would find resonance with the vision and belief.

Jeff Lang and Bobby Singh

(Jagmandir Island Palace, Udaipur - 2011)

Jeff Lang and Bobby Singh first joined music forces in the Aria award winning world music super group, Djan Djan, with Malian kora virtuoso, Mamadou Diabate. However, the pairs' musical meeting has extended even further to a highly acclaimed duo performance at the Adelaide International Guitar festival. This rare duo performance is a true cross-cultural collaboration highlighting how modern composition, song writing and blues/roots infused guitar playing can blend seamlessly with classical Indian music. Creating a musical language that can only be described as a miraculous and non-clichéd fusion.

Bernard Wacheux

with The Madras Chamber Orchestra and Bernard Wystraëte
(The Manek Chowk, The City Palace Complex, Udaipur - 2010)

In 2008 Bernard Wacheux created The Chamber Orchestra of Madras (India), which he conducted and with which he performed as a soloist. Bernard Wacheux is a co-producer and artistic director of the Theater Mozart, association for which he produced and managed seven representations of the Don Giovanni by Mozart.

The western classical musicians of the city, recognizing Monsieur's Wacheux's rare capacity and vision, have now gathered under his leadership and formed the city's first string orchestra 'MADRAS CHAMBER ORCHESTRA' having 24 professional musicians. Under his leadership the Orchestra has resumed strength and vigor and for nearly two years, the majority of the best western classical musicians in Chennai have decided to pool their talents around him.

Bernard Wystraëte, a Multi-instrumentalist, award winner of the National Superior Conservatory of Paris, improviser and flute specialist, including the most bass 'octobass' flute. Founder and musical director of the 'FLUTE ORCHESTRA', a 12 flutists staff, playing an exclusive and eclectic repertoire; 'FLUTAMANIA' with Realcimo 'NENÊ' Filha. As a soloist, he has already created more than fifty works, as a dedicatee. He is a graduate of State for flute teaching. He is territorial Director of artistique teaching institution agreed by French Culture Department.

Pandit Ronu Majumdar

(Jagmandir Island Palace, Udaipur - 2009)

India's Ace Flutist, by virtue of his phenomenal talent, he and the Bansuri are literally synonymous. Ronu Majumdar began playing the flute under the guidance of his father Dr. Bhanu Majumdar, late Pandit Lakshman Prasad Jaipurwale and finally the revered Pandit Vijay Raghav Rao. He was also fortunate to receive training from his grand guru Pandit Ravi Shankar. A powerhouse performer, Ronu Majumdar is firmly rooted in the Maihar Gharana which has also given shape to sturdy musical oaks like Pandit Ravi Shankar and Ustad Ali Akbar Khan.

Ronuji has created an enviable niche for himself in the field of contemporary popular music which is exemplified by his Grammy Nomination in 1996.

Shree Biru Bireshwar Gautam

(Jagmandir Island Palace, Udaipur - 2006)

A performing artist of Kathak Dance and Thumri / Dadra / Khayal style of singing. A rare quality of being an ace Kathak dancer and an accomplished Thumri / Dadra vocalist.

His first Guru was Smt. Bandana Sen who cultivated in him the desire to excel in the classical dance form; Kathak. The late Padmashree Pandit Gopi Krishna imparted the knowledge of Benaras Gharana in Kathak. Padmashree Damayanti Joshi has been training him for many years in the intricacies and nuances of the dance form, and is the one who has sculpted and fine-tuned all his ability in it.

He was awarded a fellowship by the Ministry of Culture, Govt. of India, for further research in the history of Kathak dance and Thumri. He is the Founder Director of the institution, Kathak Darpan, through which he conduct workshops, and instruct many students in Kathak, thus training them individually as future artists.

Zia Lambrou

(Jagmandir Island Palace, Udaipur - 2008)

Zia Lambrou is a teacher and performing artist of The Sacred Dances. Zia specializes in the rare and ancient dance form of the Sufi Sacred Dances and The Gurdjieff Movements. Originated in the Sufi ancient esoteric temples of the middle east and brought out into the world by Armenian mystic George Gurdjieff, these dances were originally used as a language to transpire and preserve ancient truths. Zia has been involved in these dances since the past 15 years. Actively teaching in Mumbai, Pune and South Africa, Zia has now a team of professional dancers from Mumbai with whom she presents the Sacred Dances on a more glamourous platform. In the past, these dance forms were appreciated in spiritual retreats, ashrams and meditation centers.

Zia also specializes in Sufi Whirling, in which she has given several performances. Recently Zia has also embraced the study and performances of the Odissi dance form. This gives her unlimited vistas for choreography and creation of The Sacred Dances.

Manjari Chaturvedi

(Jagmandir Island Palace, Udaipur - 2006)

The theme for Kartik Poornima 2006 was Sufism, the global theme for the 21st century. The theme was introduced by Ms. Zia Lambrou, a teacher of sacred Sufi dances. The audience listened to the soulful poetry of the mysticpoet Rumi as well as the stories of the witty Mullah Naseeruddin. Connecting the thread of the Creator, Creation and Creativity, the performing art for the evening was Sufi Kathak - A moving meditation' performed by Ms. Manjari Chaturvedi, the pioneer of this stunning dance form. A danseuse representing Lucknow Gharana of Kathak, Manjari is trained in classical Kathak by Guru Pandit Arjun Mishra. In her efforts to rediscover Kathak from its classical form Manjari has introduced the mystique of Sufism. Manjari, a performing artist for over a decade has performed in more than two hundred concerts.

Shree Biru Bireshwar Gautam

(Jagmandir Island Palace -16th November 2005)

Day two of the Kartik Poornima Festival 2005 featured the multi-talented performer, Guru Bireshwar Gautam. Guruji, a Kathak dancer and an accomplished vocalist has been a regular performer at music concerts and festivals at home and abroad. He has performed at prestigious festivals like Vitaan - Bombay, Ellora, Puri, Vrindavan, Pune, Haridas Sammelan, Kala Ghoda, Rain Drops - Bombay, Nehru Centre, ISKCON, Gopi Krishna festival - Nashik, Sarat Chandrika - Delhi, Spirit of Unity Concerts for International Integration- Chennai and Kalidas Festival - Nagpur to name a few.

He has been honored by the All India Radio, Doordarshan and the National Centre of performing Arts (N.C.P.A.) as a performing artiste of distinction.

Hema Malini

(Jagmandir Island Palace - 15th November 2005)

Hema Malini has emerged as a consummate artiste, par excellence. A keenly sought-after danseuse, Hema Malini holds audiences in India and overseas spell-bound for hours together. Hema Malini exploded on the Indian film scene while she was at the pinnacle of her dancing career.

Drawing from her vast knowledge of classical dance, she has choreographed stage musicals such as the Ramayana, Meera, Savitri, Durga, Mahalakshmi, Radha Krishna, Geet Govind and Draupadi. At the two day Kartik Poornima festival 2005, Hema Malini performed 'Yashoda Krishna' on the first day, demonstrating one of the strongest and enduring emotions as between a mother and her child. The child here happens to be the child-god Krishna, and the emotions of the mother, Yashoda transcend the human boundaries, engulfing her and the audience in a totally divine experience.

Ranjana Gauhar

(The Manek Chowk, The City Palace Complex - 2004)

As one of the leading exponents of the 'Odissi' style, Ranjana has been honoured with the prestigious Padamshree award by the President of India. Ranjana has, trained and experimented with chhau, successfully blending it with her inimitable style of odissi. Enchanted audiences have raved that watching her is an experience in sublime spiritual odyssey.

Ranjana views life as an extension of her dance. While her other interest include theatre, painting and choreography, she is also actively involved in projects for disabled children. She had produced and directed a number of Ballets depicting modern and mythological themes. She is also an independent film producer, researcher and scriptwriter and has successfully produced many television serials, films and documentaries.

Rosella Fanelli

(The Manek Chowk, The City Palace Complex - 2003)

An Italian by birth, Rosella's desire to explore spirituality brought her to India in 1986. She traveled extensively studying the scriptures, staying in ashrams and mastering Indian Classical Dance and Yoga. Destiny brought her to Lucknow, the cultural capital of India. Here she saw a Kathak performance by Pandit Arjun Mishra and was completely captivated. Since then, Rosella has dedicated her life to Kathak, finding a medium to express her emotions and space to explore the dynamism of the body. Rosella has performed at most Indian Dance Festivals across the globe for television, international meets and award ceremonies. She has been presenting Solo Kathak Recital for more than eleven years now.

Shanta Rati Misra

(The Manek Chowk, The City Palace Complex - 2002)

She is a multi-faceted danseuse of repute. Driven with a passion for the arts, versatile artist Shanta has been practicing Bharatnatyam, Kathakali and Kuchipudi with equal grace and has been concentrating on Kuchipudi dance at the moment. She took her early training in Kuchipudi under the well-known dance duo, Padmabhushan Raja and Radha Reddy as well as from Padmabhushan Guru Vempati Chinna Satyam. She is among the few women to perform Kathakali. Brought up in Singapore, Shanta was attracted to the artistic environment in India and her love for its art and culture pulled her back to her roots in India.

Sharmistha Mukherjee

(The Manek Chowk, The City Palace Complex - 2001)

Sharmistha Mukherjee, highly accomplished Kathak dancer, with over fifteen years of performing experience with unique personal style, which is natural, spontaneous and full of joyous abandon. She has performed extensively in India and abroad. She also conceptualised and directed a 6-episode Indian Tele Serial 'Taal Mel' on dance. To tap the inner potential of each child and help them channelise and express their talent through creative means she has laid the foundation of an institution for children named 'Jagriti: Center for Creative Learning through Visual and Performing Arts.'

Gangaur Ghoomar Group

(The Manek Chowk, The City Palace Complex -1999 and 2000)

Ghoomar, a traditional ladies dance from the state of Rajasthan was facing the danger of extinction. To meet this challenge, Rajmata Govardhan Kumariji established the Gangaur Ghoomar Group. Being the princess of Kishangarh, the erstwhile princely state of Rajasthan famed for its lyrical miniature paintings, she had ample opportunity to learn and participate in different forms of Ghoomar from various parts of Rajasthan. In order to revive and preserve it, she has researched all the different aspects of Ghoomar. From a humble beginning in 1984, the Gangaur Ghoomar Group has come a long way. Today, the Rajmata has several students learning under her and several successful performances to her credit, both in India and abroad.

Tripti Bhupen

(The Manek Chowk, The City Palace Complex -1998)

Tripti started learning Kathak at a very early age but later turned to Bharat Natyam after witnessing the recital of Smt. Yamini Krishnamoorthi. Tripti was invited to join the famous Dance Institute Kalakshetra, founded by Smt. Rukmini Devi Arundale in 1936. In 1987, Tripti was selected to participate in the Festival of India in Russia. She has also performed for various Associations, Cultural Organisations in the UAE. Besides all this, Tripti has choreographed a number of Folk and Classical Dances.

Reela Hota

(The Manek Chowk, The City Palace Complex -1997)

Reela Hota started learning the Odissi dance at the Odissi Dance Academy under the tutelage of Guru Gangadhar Pradhan at the age of eight and continued to learn from him till she was twelve. Later she learnt this dance form under the guidance of Padmashree Madhavji Mudgal at Gandharva Mahavidyalaya in New Delhi.

Nirmala Seshadri

(The Manek Chowk, The City Palace Complex - 1996)

From the age of eleven, Nirmala has appeared regularly in the Singapore dance scene for her unusual talent in the classical dance, Bharat Natyam. She has performed in various cities in India and has also performed at the annual Dance Festival of Madras and on Doordarshan. sur Singar Sansad - Mumbai awarded Nirmala the title of ‘Singar Mani’ in 1990. Nirmala was the first Indian dancer to receive the Young Artists from the National Arts Council of Singapore.

Dr. Mallika Sarabhai

(The Manek Chowk, The City Palace Complex - 1995)

She is a famous Kuchipudi dancer and has performed all over India, Western Europe, Japan, China and the United States. In 1984, she was chosen to create the role of Draupadi in an International production of Mahabharat, which was staged, in several European countries. In 1991, Mallika Sarabhai received the ‘Gaurav Puraskar’ for her contributions to arts.

Maestro Sergio Synder

(Jagmandir Island Palace - 1992 and 1993)

Born in Mexico City, he studied with eminent Professor Jose F. Velaquez and continued at Juilliard School of Music in New York where, for three consecutive years, he was awarded the coveted First Place. In addition, over 60 prizes in America and Europe have been awarded to him. Twice awarded the 'Domenico Scarlatti' prize in Italy in acknowledgment of his excellence, he is the only pianist awarded with the prestigious title ‘Holder to the Keys to Britain’ (London 1980).